About us
If you’re a songwriter aiming to elevate your songs and achieve success, this is the place to grow your craft.
Join Jacques M. Gentil, award-winning songwriter (ASA/APRA Australian Songwriter of the Year 2013) and ASCAP-affiliated mentor, for practical, inspiring workshops designed to help you write songs that stand out in today’s market.
TYPES OF MEETINGS
1. In-Person Songwriting Workshops
Held on select weekends, these workshops bring together beginner, developing, and established songwriters in a supportive setting. You’ll receive expert feedback on your songs in progress, guidance on how to reach commercial quality, and connect with like-minded peers.
A small fee may apply.
2. Free Monthly Zoom Workshops
Join our free online workshops once a month (weekends). Each session includes a short topic presentation and a live masterclass where Jacques provides in-depth feedback on songs in progress. Attendees can also contribute constructive feedback, making this a valuable and collaborative learning experience.
Spots fill quickly—early registration is recommended.
HOW IT WORKS
Online Sessions:
• Duration: approx. 1.5 hours
• Play your song live (guitar, piano, keyboard, other instruments) or submit an mp3 in advance to be played during the session.
• Lyrics should also be submitted in advance or shared live on a virtual whiteboard.
In-Person Sessions:
• Duration: approx. 3 hours (max.)
• Hosted at songwriter homes or venues. These workshops have been running since 2003, with many success stories from attendees.
ABOUT MAGESONGS SCHOOL OF SONGWRITING
This Meetup is part of Magesongs School of Songwriting. In addition to these workshops, occasional songwriting classes are offered to help songwriters reach industry-ready standards. As a Meetup member, you may be invited to participate when new classes become available.
Jacques M. Gentil (Organizer)
Award-Winning Songwriter & Mentor
ASA/APRA Australian Songwriter of the Year 2013
Upcoming events
1
26 August: WRITING BRIDGES: The Most Misunderstood Section of a Song
·OnlineOnline🎵 MAGESONGS SONGWRITING SERIES (ONLINE)
AUGUST SESSION (Free)
## WRITING BRIDGES: The Most Misunderstood Section of a SongWednesday 26 August 2026
7:30 PM–8:45 PM AEST
Live online via ZoomPlease you need to join our main Meetup Group to RSVP for this event. Join here:
https://www.meetup.com/magesongs-songwriting-workshops/events/315884369/Many songwriters believe every song needs a bridge. Others avoid bridges altogether because they are unsure what the section is supposed to do.
A bridge is not simply an extra verse, a place to add unused lyrics, or eight bars inserted because a songwriting formula says it belongs there. When written effectively, it can introduce a new perspective, deepen the meaning of the lyric, increase emotional tension, and prepare the listener for the final return of the chorus. But how does it work?
In this practical online workshop, award-winning songwriter and songwriting mentor Jacques M Gentil will explore:
• What a bridge is—and what it is not
• Why some songs need a bridge while others do not
• The difference between a bridge, pre-chorus, instrumental break and middle eight
• How a bridge can change the lyrical perspective
• Creating musical contrast without making the bridge sound disconnected
• Where the bridge belongs within different song structures
• How to return effectively to the final chorus
• Common bridge-writing mistakes
• Examples of successful bridges from well-known songs
• Practical methods for writing stronger bridges in your own songsWhether you are beginning your songwriting journey or already have experience, this workshop will help you understand one of the most frequently misunderstood sections of contemporary songwriting.
About the Presenter
Jacques M Gentil is the founder of the Magesongs School of Songwriting and has mentored songwriters since 2002. He was named ASA/APRA Australian Songwriter of the Year in 2013 and is the winner of the Commonwealth Song Contest 2026. His former students have received numerous national and international songwriting awards.Bring your questions, your ideas—and perhaps a song that still needs the right bridge.
Note: Zoom link will only show after you have RSVP'd at via the link above.
🎤 Hosted by award-winning songwriter Jacques Gentil
🌏 Free and Online via Zoom
🎼 Open to songwriters of all levels
Join us for another inspiring session in the Magesongs Songwriting Series.1 attendee
Past events
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